CB/KR Miller odd man out of New York Jets secondary

Cornerback/kick returner Justin Miller has become the forgotten man in the Jets secondary because of a dislocated toe that has sidelined him all season. Miller practiced last week but appears to have lost his starting cornerback job to rookie Dwight Lowery.

Miller, who was a Pro Bowler as a kick returner in 2006, played just two games last season before being put on injured reserve with a knee injury. Miller has been inactive for all four games this season.

"He's had a string of setbacks," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "(We) went through the things that he can improve on. ... I anticipate him coming out and having a good week of practice and being right back in the mix."

Miller practiced Monday, but it looked like he still had a hitch in his step.

"It's adversity," Miller said. "The better you can deal with it, the stronger it makes you as a person. You got to learn to get through it. I'm not down on myself or feel like I have bad luck. It's just life."

"I'm still competing and fighting every day," he added. "Any time they call my number, I'm ready to go."

Mangini didn't sound confident K Mike Nugent would be ready to return this week from his groin injury, suffered in the season opener. "I'm not sure," Mangini said. "We're hoping, but again, I don't want to rush anything there and have a setback that ends up (keeping him out) much longer than (he) should be."

WR David Clowney, coming back from a broken collarbone suffered in the preseason, was wearing a red noncontact jersey at practice Monday.